Introduction
Pride and Prejudice is a classical novel written by Jane Austen. The classical novel portrays the themes of social inferiority, big family burdens, the importance of wealth, and the consequences of prejudice.
Summary of pride and prejudice in 500 words
The classic novel begins with the most prominent lines in English literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” These lines unveil Mrs. Bennett’s nature and feelings. Mrs. Bennett has five daughters whom she wants to marry off to suitable and wealthy men. Soon, she hears of Mr. Bingley’s new arrival at the nearby estate, Netherfield. Mr. Bingley is a young gentleman who has recently rented the nearby estate, Netherfield. Mrs. Bennett wants Mr. Bingley to marry one of her daughters. Therefore, she, with her five daughters, joins the party at the Netherfield. At the ball, Shy Jane captures Mr. Bingley’s interest. Mr. Bingley becomes numb and voiceless when he suddenly meets with Shy Jane, who is the oldest of the sisters.
Jane is well-known and famous for her sweet-tempered and beautiful look. On the other hand, the encounter between Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy, seems to be less cordial. Austen indicates Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s interest in each other. Moreover, she shows the convention of first impression: Mr. Darcy’s pride holds him aloof, and Elizabeth’s prejudice against Mr. Darcy’s snobbery holds her family aloof.
Soon, the next character, the pompous Collins, arrives at the party with the desire to marry one of Mrs. Bennett’s daughters.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennett intends to turn the attention of Collins towards Elizabeth, but Elizabeth refuses his marriage proposal. During this time, Elizabeth meets the new guest, Wickham. There is a friendly and mutual discussion between both of them, and he informs her that Darcy has refused him of his inheritance. Elizabeth firms her prejudice when she sees Darcy persuading Mr. Bingley to leave for London. Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley leaves for London. Having seen this, Elizabeth’s hatred and dislike double, and she convinces herself that Darcy has broken the newly formed relationship between her sister and Mr. Bingley. However, Mr. Darcy recalls the pleasant moments of having arguments with Elizabeth. Darcy feels blossoming love for Elizabeth because of her intelligence and vitality.
Elizabeth goes to visit newlywed Charlotte. Where she sees Darcy, who immediately proposes her, but Elizabeth refuses his offer. Elizabeth considers Darcy a wicked man and accuses him of breaking up Mr. Bingley and Jane’s newly founded ties, and she also reveals her dislike for denying Wickham his inheritance. Subsequently, Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth, explaining that he believes Jane could regrow Mr. Bingley’s affection. He also explains that Wickham has wasted his inheritance and now tried to marry Darcy’s 15-year-old sister in order to get possession of her inheritance.
In the end, Lydia, one of the Bennet’s daughters, elopes with Wickham. Elizabeth receives a great shock hearing the news. She thinks such could ruin her family reputation. Soon after, the family receives the news of Wickham and Lydia’s marriage. During this time, Mr. Darcy convinced Mr. Bingley to return. Shortly after, Mr. Bingley returns and becomes engaged to Jane. Eventually, Darcy again proposes to Elizabeth, and she accepts this time with fervor.